It has happened. On 31 January 2020, the UK left the European Union after years of preparing.
What role can Brexit play in your life and business? We have collected all the important information for:
- UK citizens living abroad;
- EU citizens living in the UK;
- UK business holders;
- Anyone who is going to apply for UK citizenship.
Brexit Deal
On Thursday, December 24, the United Kingdom and the European Union reached a trade and cooperation agreement. It contains the terms under which the parties will cooperate after the 1 of January 2021. The agreement was struck at the last minute. Negotiations intensified in the last days of December, when in addition to diplomats, the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joined the discussions.
What will change after the deal takes effect? Here are the brief summaries.
Economical changes after Brexit
- Duty-free trade of goods will remain between the UK and EU countries;
- Britain will leave the common customs area with the EU and there will be customs controls at the borders;
- British financial institutions will no longer be able to operate in the EU on privileged terms, as was previously the case;
- The access of British service companies to the European markets will be limited. For example, British TV and media providers will not be able to offer services in the EU unless they move a part of their business there;
- Professional qualifications gained in Britain will not automatically be recognized in the EU;
- Britain and the EU have agreed not to lower standards in areas such as workers’ rights and environmental protection measures. Each side’s structures will oversee these commitments;
- Britain will gain control over the policy of supporting its own enterprises.
Migration and tourism after Brexit
- Freedom of movement will be limited from now on. Citizens of the EU and Britain will now have to obtain visas for purposes requiring a long-term stay: study, work, business;
- For short-term trips (up to 90 days) Britons and Europeans will not need any visas;
- Europeans living in Britain will be required to register for permanent resident status. It is enough to prove your residence in Great Britain. If residence lasts less than five years, the status of a temporary resident is given, if more – permanent status is granted;
- British citizens will need to have at least 6 months left of their passport expiration to be able to travel to most European countries (not including Ireland).
Learn more about traveling after Brexit.
I’m a UK citizen. What do I need to do to continue living in the EU?
For this issue, Member States have prepared national contingency measures. There are no standard rules: each country will protect your residence rights in different ways. Find the country that interests you on our list.
Is my UK driving licence still valid outside the country?
Yes, during the transition period it’s valid for most EU countries, including Ireland. But after 2021 purchase of an International Driving Permit could be required for some countries, including France and Italy. The permit you may need depends on the country you’re visiting and the length of your stay.